Eric Swalwell Enters California Governor’s Race With Bold Message/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his 2026 bid for California governor, vowing to fight for working families and challenge Donald Trump’s policies. His campaign adds to a crowded field of Democrats vying to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Eric Swalwell’s Campaign Launch + Quick Looks
- Swalwell announced his gubernatorial run on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
- He pledged to lower costs, raise wages, and protect California values.
- The congressman took direct aim at Donald Trump’s influence in California.
- Swalwell is joining a packed field ahead of the June 2026 primary.
- Prominent Democratic contenders include Tom Steyer and Katie Porter.
- Trump responded to the Kimmel-Swalwell appearance with renewed criticism.
- Swalwell emphasized his impeachment role and resistance to Trumpism.
- California’s top-two primary system will determine the November matchup.
Eric Swalwell Enters California Governor’s Race With Bold Message
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES — Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has officially entered the race for California governor in 2026, bringing national name recognition and a sharp anti-Trump message to an already crowded Democratic field. Swalwell, known for his role as a House impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s first Senate trial, launched his candidacy Thursday night during an appearance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell said on-air. “Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.”
In a campaign statement released online shortly after the show aired, Swalwell framed his run as a response to what he views as an intensifying assault on California values by Trump and the federal government. He accused Trump of “militarizing” communities, cutting funding for cancer research and clean energy, and targeting immigrant families.
“Our state is under attack,” Swalwell said. “Trump has militarized our streets, canceled cancer research, zeroed out clean energy climate projects, and is chasing our immigrant friends and neighbors through their workplaces, kids’ schools, and houses of worship.”
Swalwell’s decision to make his announcement on Kimmel’s late-night program was a calculated move to capture national attention and directly confront a president who had, earlier in the week, reignited criticism of both ABC and Kimmel. The president, who has sparred with Swalwell for years, responded Thursday with a social media post calling on ABC to “get the bum off the air,” referring to the comedian. That followed ABC’s recent suspension—and reinstatement—of Kimmel after controversial remarks he made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Swalwell, who has represented a district in Northern California’s Bay Area since 2012, previously ran for president in 2020 but dropped out before the Iowa caucuses, endorsing eventual nominee Joe Biden. He’s often positioned himself as a leading voice on national security and gun reform, and as one of Trump’s fiercest congressional critics.
Now, Swalwell hopes to translate that national profile into statewide support. His campaign themes are centered around economic justice, climate action, and protecting democratic institutions—issues he says are under direct threat.
A Crowded Democratic Field
Swalwell joins a robust lineup of candidates seeking to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. The June all-party primary will determine the top two candidates who will advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Other high-profile Democrats already in the race include:
- Tom Steyer, billionaire businessman and climate activist
- Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative from Orange County
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles
- Xavier Becerra, former HHS Secretary and California Attorney General
On the Republican side, two candidates have entered the race, though no current frontrunners have emerged. With California’s solidly blue voting history, the Democratic candidate who secures enough early momentum may hold a significant advantage heading into November.
Swalwell’s candidacy may particularly appeal to younger, progressive voters and those energized by his confrontational stance against Trump. His messaging also plays well in California’s urban centers, where Democrats maintain a strong base.
A Campaign Built on Contrast
While Swalwell has emphasized a positive agenda for California—focusing on affordability, wages, and environmental progress—his candidacy is also a direct challenge to Trump-era policies and rhetoric.
He presents himself not only as a lawmaker with national experience, but also as a fighter ready to defend California’s diverse population against federal interference. This dual appeal—local stewardship and national resistance—may become a defining theme of his campaign.
As Swalwell enters the gubernatorial contest, the coming months will test his ability to unite a broad coalition of California voters in a competitive and ideologically diverse field.
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